Human Powered Helicopter Record Attempt
June 20th will witness a new attempt to claim the $250,000 prize offered by the American Helicopter Society. Pictured here is Judith Wexler in her Gamera I helicopter built by the University of Maryland’s Team last year, setting a National Aeronautic Association’s sanctioned record of 11.4 seconds. This month’s attempt will be in Gamera II weighing 35 pounds less than the 106 pound Gamera I, both having four 40 foot rotors.
We see that this year’s three scheduled pilots are men from A. James Clark School of engineering who are hoping to displace Judith’s time with a full minute in the air; however, the AHS, “Sikorsky Prize” may still be out of sight. To meet all parameters these pilots will have to pedal for one minute AND reach a momentary height of 3 meters.
Henceforth, we need to have new respect for those sweating cyclists we pass along the roadways; they may be fellow aeronauts training for the next record attempt. Keep an eye on this column … we will try to announce their progress.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/diy-flying/a-human-powered-helicopter-takes-flight
http://www.aero-news.net/getmorefromann.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=d355d6df-05da-428b-94c4-94ad3dd518fd